Mechanized feeding mechanism for animals



11 Sheets-Sheet l W R PETERSON ETAL MECHANIZED FEEDING MECHANISM FOR ANIMALS Oct. 6, 1953 Filed Aug. 29, 1947 Oct. 6, 1953 w. R. PETERSON ETAL 2,654,344

MECHANIZED FEEDING MECHANISM FOR ANIMALS Filed Aug. 29. 1947 ll Sheets-Sheet 2 Oct. 6, 1953 w. R. PETERSON ErAL 2,554,344

MECHANIZED FEEDING MECHANISM FOR ANIMALS Filed Aug. 29, 1947 l1 Sheets-Sheet 5 Oct. 6, 1953 w. R. PETERSON ETAL 2,654,344

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MECHANIZED FEEDING MECHANISM FOR ANIMALS Filed Aug. 29, 1947 ll Sheets-Sheet l0 lllllllllll il llllllllllllllllllll'lull w. R. PETERSON ETAL 2,654,344 MECHANIZED FEEDING MECHANISM FOR ANIMALS Oct. 6, 1953 11 Sheets-Sheet ll I Filed Aug. 29, 1947 HAY' wanum sur-@meurs Bunf: amm

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Patented Oct. 6, 1953 MECHANIZED FEEDING MECHANISM FOR ANIMALS Walter R. Peterson,

Radtke, Oak Park,

Hinsdale, and Adelbert C. Ill., assignors to International Harvester Company, a corporation of New Jersey Application August Z9, 1947, Serial No. 771,250

10 Claims.

This invention relates to an automatically controlled feeding mechanism for a dairy establishment.

Despite the many innovations and advances that have been made in the agricultural art, and notwithstanding the rapid progress made in scientific farming, few improvements have been made in one of the most expensive and time consuming operations, namely, that of feeding and supplying to the wants of a herd of dairy animais. The construction of barns, and especially dairy' barns, has changed little and prior to this invention the farmer still had to feed the animals by hand, thus spending the greater part of his Working day in preparing and mixing quantities of feed for the various animals` It is Well known in the dairy art that dairy cows must be treated individually with respect to feeding so that the best possible results may be obtained from each cow. In other Words, the feeding demands of each cow vary quite generally and it is absoiutely necessary, for proper feeding, to prepare the specic kind, quantities and qualities of feed that are needed by each individual cow. This preparation must be accurate within close limits in order to secure an efficient feeding system. The farm operator generally understands the selective feeding requirement of each cow and generally takes great care in the operation of feed mixing. However, this mixing operation is largely a process of measuring the quantities of feed by hand; then manually distributing the quantities to the individual cows. The results of this method leave much to be desired, since the manual selective feeding of cows is an inaccurate and time consuming operation.

It can readily be understood and realized that accuracy is diiicult when the measuring of the feed is accomplished with the use of a shovel, pitch fork, or other manual implement. The time factor alone in this type of feeding operation is excessive and undesirable. Frequently an operator is required to spend his full working day in supervising and preparing this time consuming operation.

Dairy barns have, of course, been designed to best accommodate the many manual chores attendant to the feeding and cleaning operation of the .dairy herd. v Feed .alleys were accordingly made wide enough to provide sufficient room for the farmer to spread the feed into the individual mangersof the cows. Since the manual operation takes considerable elbow room, a dairy barn had to be quite large and therefore construction costs became exceedingly expensive. Applicants have provided a mechanized feeding unit for their barn that eliminates large areas that would otherwise be necessary in a manual feed type barn. Since the feeding is largely a mechanical operation, greater sanitation is also obviously a result. In barns where the feeding is done by manual operation, it is necessary for the operator to clean the feed alley at periodic intervals. He usually cleans this alley at the same time he cleans the refuse trough and consequently bacteria and trash matter may be carried from one end of the barn to the other on the shoes of the operator. Thus the feed alley may become contaminated and in time cause unhealthful conditions for the animals. In applicants construction, the feed alley is removed. and replaced by a manger belt which is automatically cleaned.

An object is to provide a sanitary manger belt, said manger belt being of the endless type and arranged to receive predetermined quantities of feed and convey the same to the feeding end of a plurality of stalls within a dairy barn,

Still another object is to provide a shredder mechanism arranged to remove predetermined quantities of ensilage and deposit the same on said manger belt.

Still another object is to provide a hay conveyor arranged to inovably support bales of hay and carry the same to a shredding mechanism, said shredding mechanism being arranged to remove and deposit predetermined quantities of hay onto a movable manger belt.

A further object is to provide a shredder mechanism for removing quantities of hay and deposit the same upon a movable manger belt, said shredder mechanism including an endless belt having scraper blades thereon, said belt being movable about vertical axes and arranged to drive an ensilage conveyor and a hay feed conveyor.

Still another object is to provide an improved feeding device for automatically delivering predetermined quantities and qualities of grain or feed mixtures onto a movable manger belt.

A still further object is to provide a novel electrical control mechanism operable to accurately and automatically predetermine and supply proper quantities of feed to the manger of each individual cow.

These and other objects will become more readily apparent upon a reading of the description when examined in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a dairy barn having its roof removed therefrom to show in plan view a mechanized feeding mechanism for supplying feed to the animals situated within Athe barn, some of the objects within this barn being shown in section to better illustrate theinvention.

Figure 2 is a sectional en d view of the vbarn and feeding mechanism therein `taken along the line 2--2 of Figure l.

Figure 3 is a sectional View of.a removable manger belt taken along the line 3--3 of Figure l, this view showing the relation of the mangerbelt with respect to the floor of the barn.

Figure 4 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line i-li of Figure l showing the driving arrangement for a manger belt.

Figure 5 is a sectional view through the driving arrangement of a manger belt taken along the line 5 5 of Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a sectional View taken along the line 6 5 of Figure 4.

Figure 7 is a plan view showing the driving arrangement and internal parts of a triangular shredding mechanism.

Figure 8 is an enlarged sectional View ofthe shredder mechanism taken along the line 8-.8 of Figure '7 with certain parts broken away.

Figure 9 is a sectional view .of va portion of Ya drive mechanismfcr a hay conveyor taken along the line Q-Q of Figure 8.

Figure l0 is an enlarged side view of .arhay conveyor generally taken along the line l--I'll of Figure l.

Figure l1 is a sectional view through a -portion of the hay conveyor :generally vtaken :along the line H-II of Figure l0.

Figure l2 is an enlarged sectional View o f a gate for a movable `manger .belt generally taken along the line I2-i2 of Figure Yl.

Figure 13 is a plan viewin partial section showing portions of a grain feeding mechanism, an ensilage feeding mechanism and a shredding unit said view being taken along 'the line VI 3II3 Aof Figure Y2.

Figure ifi is an enlarged view of a planetary drive mechanism generally taken along the line Iii-I4 of Figure k13.

Figure 15 is a side elevational view of an -electrical control and timing mechanism for the mechanized feeding unit of the barn.

Figure 16 -is a side elevational view of .a switch mechanism, said switch mechanism showing .3 plurality of over-center mercury switches.

Figure 17 is a side elevational view of a single section of the switch mechanism shown in lFigure 16, said view illustrating a closed position of one mercury switch.

Figure 18 is an end view showing the arrangement of the mercury switches shown in Figure 16. Figure 19 is an explodedv plan View of the switches and the mechanism shown in Figure 16, said view having center lines of certain Vital Paris is indicated 'by number I5.

4 of the mechanism spaced apart to better show the relationship of the parts.

Figure 20 is a side elevational view of a shredder mercury switch showing the open position of each switch and the various parts associated therewith.

Figure 21 is a schematic wiring diagram showing the electrical circuits and switches of the mechanized feeding barn.

The dairy establishment with which the present invention is concerned includes a barn structure generally indicated .by vthe reference character I0 asbest shown in Figures l and 2. This type of barn structure is constructed to house a mechanized feeding unit for supplying feed to the dairy animals and consists generally of side walls iI I, .end walls I2, :and an upper supporting oor I3 on which a roof Il is supported. The constructionpgenerally is of concrete, thereby providing asolid nre-proof building. The lower floor Immediately adiacent one side of the barn structure Ill a trench ,silo I8 is provided. The trench silo is constructed o'f vertical concrete walls I'I extending a considerable distance into the ground, where they are joined by a oor or bottom I8. A common vertical wall I9 serves as a wall for the trench silo and also for the barn. The silo therefore affords protection against weather thus protecting the common wall. The area adjacent this common wall, within the barn, is thus kept relatively warm during `cold weather.

In order to properly permit light to enter the interior of the barn I0, a few courses of glass blocks .20 are laid between the wall I9 and the u pper floor I3. An overlapping sectional metal roof 2,! is placed over the trench silo, these roof sections being readily opened or removed if desired to supply ensilage to the silo;

As b est shown in Figures 1 and 2, the barn l0 is provided with eight animal stalls 22. These stalls 22 are arranged near the warm side of the barn, adjacent thecommon wall I9. A gutter 23 is formed in the concrete floor I5 of the barn.

Endless manger belt mechanism As best shown in Figures v2 and 3, an endless manger belt 3D is positioned adjacent the forward or .feeding end of .each stall 22. A manger belt S'I is of the endless type and may be made of any flexible material such as natural or synthetic rubber, etc. This belt is recessed within a recess 32 formed in the concrete flooring, the upper surface ofthe belt 'providing the manger or feeding surface for the cows. The belt 3l is wrapped around asteel drum `33 which is journaled on a shaft 33. The other end of the belt 3l is wrapped around a drum 3d journaled on a shaft 311. rI'he shafts 33 and 34 are suitably supported on the adjacent concrete construction.

The manger belt 3I, during its movement, is supported on a metal supporting structure 35 which is also supported by the concrete structure. A plurality of longitudinally spaced rollers B are provided underneath the endless belt 3i for supporting the lower loop of the belt. The endless manger belt 3l is driven by a driving unit generally indicated by the reference character 3l as shown in Figures 4 and 5. The driving unit 31, like the manger belt 3i, is recessed within the concrete oor I5 of the barn. A metal box 38 encloses the driving structure.

The box 38 contains an electric driving motor 35, which is pivotally connected as indicated at 40 to an angle support 4I rigid within the box 38. The motor 35 is positioned to drive a V-belt pulley 42 which in turn drives a V-belt pulley 43 by means of a type V-belt 43. The pulley d3 rotates a shaft which extends into a gear reduction mechanism indicated at t4. The gear reduction mechanism is not shown in detail and may be of any conventional type. A stub shaft d5 extends laterally outwardly from the gear reduction mechanism i4 and is connected to drive a sprocket t5. The sprocket 45 includes sprocket teeth 4'! engageable with recessed slots formed in the outer peripheral edge of a metal sprocket member 49.

As best shown in Figure 6, the metal sprocket member .te is partially covered by a plate 5t having an opening 5| through which the sprocket 46 and the shaft 45 extend. The metal sprocket 49 is rigidly connected to bearings 49', only one of which is shown, which are freely journaled on the shaft t4. The bearings 49 are rigid with the driving drum 34 to drive the same and thus effect longitudinal movement of the manger belt 3|.

A shaft 53 extends outwardly of the gear reduction mechanism 44 and this shaft is in driving connection with a sprocket 54, as b-est shown in Figure 5, said sprocket being in driving ensagement with a chain 55 arranged to drive a sprocket 5i and shaft '5l'. A brush 58 is positioned underneath and at the side of the drum 34 in such a manner that it may engage the outer surface of the moving endless manger belt 3 I. The brush 53 is held in this position by means of a pair of arms 59, one of which is pivoted on the shaft 53 at one end. The other arm is pivoted on a stub shaft in similar position not shown. Both arms 59 are provided with extensions Iil to which are attached tension springs 62, said springs serving to resiliently hold brush B against the outer surface of the endless manger belt. The shaft 51 extends through bearing E3 and serves to rotate the brush 58. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, a deflecting plate 55 is connected above the brush 58 for diverting material which is brushed from the manger belt surface.

The shredder mechanism As best shown in Figures 2, '7, and 8, a shredder mechanism is generally indicated by the reference character 79. The shredder mechanism '.10 is provided for the dual purpose of shredding and delivering predetermined amounts of ensilage and hay to the surface of the manger belt 3|.

`The shredder mechanism 'I9 consists of a pair of spaced. supporting plate members 'il which are suitably connected 'by vertical spacer members i2. A plurality of upwardly and downwardly bent brackets, 'I3 and 'i4 respectively, are positioned around the triangular periphery of the plate members Spaced channel guide members l5 are rigidly connected to the brackets i3 and i4, and these channel guide members support an endless track shredder cleated belt or apron f5. The shredder apron 'i5 is provided on its irmer surface with an upper track chain l? and a lower track chain it. The track chains TI and 'I8 are respectively provided with rollers 'I9 and B which extend throughout the full length of each chain. The outer surface of the endless shredder apron l is provided with a plurality of evenly spaced scraper or shredder cleats '85.

As best shown in Figure '7, sprocket sets 9|), 9 I, and 92 are positioned in triangular relation.

These sprockets are respectively positioned for movement about a vertical axis on shafts 93, 94, and 95.

An electric motor 95 is positioned above the sprockets 99, 9|, and 92 by means of a bracket 91. The motor 96 is arranged to drive a shaft 98 which is connected to a sprocket 99 which is in driving engagement with a chain arranged to drive a sprocket I 9|. The sprocket l9| is rigidly secured to the shaft 93, thereby driving the shaft 93 and effecting driving movement to sprocket S9. The sprockets 90, 9|, and 92 are in mating engagement with the rollers 'I9 and Se. Movement of the shredder apron IS is effected by rotating the sprockets 99 by means of the motor 96.

The hopper feeding mechanism The hopper feeding mechanism is best illustrated in Figures l, 2, 13, and 14. As shown in Figure 2, the barn structure I9 is provided with three hoppers generally designated by the numera?. H9. The three hoppers are the basic grain hopper III, the supplement hopper H2, and the concentrate hopper H3. These hoppers are constructed to contain relatively large quantities of feed and are each provided with a narrow lower discharge neck in which paddle wheels H4 and H5 and IIE are positioned as best shown in Figure 13. The paddle wheels H4, I5, and IIS are all journalled on a driven shaft H?, said shaft being rotated by means of a pulley H8.

A drive pulley H9 is rigidly secured to and driven by the shaft e5 of the shredder mechanism i9. A drive belt |29 is driven by the pulley iis, said drive belt extending over idler sprockets |25 and extending to the pulley I8 for driving engagement therewith. As best shown in Figure 13, each paddle wheel H4, H5, and H6 is provided with transversely extending slats |21. Each of the paddle wheels is freely journaied on the driven shaft |I'l. Driving engagement between the shaft I and each of the paddle wheels is effected by means of planetary drive mechanisms |22, |23, and |24 best shown in Figures 13 and 14. The working arrangement of the parts of each planetary drive mechanism are similar and only the planetary drive |22 for the basic grain paddle Wheel H4 will be described.

A pinion |25 is keyed to the shaft H1 for rotation therewith. The pinion is in driving engagement with a plurality of radially spaced pinions i2?. The pinions |27 are freely journaled 0n stub shafts |28 which are rigidly secured to the end plate member |26. The plate member |25 is provided with a bearing |29 extending through an opening |39 in the basic grain hopper HI. The bearing |29 is securely connected to the paddle wheel I I4 for driving the same. The pinions |21 are in driving engagement with the internal gear teeth I3! of a ratchet gear member |32. The ratchet gear member |32 is also provided at its outer periphery with a plurality of circumferentially extending ratchet teeth |33. The shaft I il is continually driven by the shredder mechanism by means of the pulley I and the planetary pinions i2? are rotated thereby continually rotating the ratchet gear IThe rotation of the pinions I 27 is solely about the stub shafts |28 and the plate member I 25 is standing still.

A holding p-awl |34 is pivotally connected to the basic grain hopper as indicated at |35. A

solenoid plunger |36 is pivotally connected to the holding pawl 135|V and is movable within a solenoid' 131. As the solenoid is energized by means which will be described later, the holding pawl |34 engages the ratchet teeth of the pinion gear |32, thereby holding the same against rotation. Continued driving movement of the shaft |11 causes the plate |26 to rotate, thereby in turn rotating the paddle wheel |15.

As best shown in Figure 13, the planetary drivemechanism |23 is also provided with a holding pawl |33 which is actuated by means of a solenoid |39. The planetary drive mechanism |24 is similarly provided with a holding pawl |40 which is actuated by a solenoid H1 The basic grain, supplements, or concentrate are placed in the hopper above the individual paddle wheels. As the paddle wheels are rotated by the planetary drive mechanism, and in view of the side of slats |21, predetermined quantities of the feed are rotated by the paddle wheels, downwardly to the lower end of the hoppers, whereupon the same leaves the hoppers and is deposited upon the movable manger belt 3 Hay feeding mechanism The hay feeding mechanism is best shown in Figures 2, 8, 9, 10, and l1 and is generally designated by the reference character |50. The hay feeding mechanism |50 is formed by a metal boxlike structure |5|. One side of the structure |51 is provided with a relatively high side wall |52 and the other side is provided with a relatively low side wall |53, best shown in Figure 11. The structure |51 is rigidly supported on a plurality of forward and rearward supports 15d. A bottom wall of the structure 155 is provided, as best shown in Figure 1l, with a longitudinally extending slot |55. An endless chain |51 is positioned to move within the slot |55. The chain |51 is trained about a forward sprocket |58 and a rearward spocket |59. The sprocket |55 is secured to a driven shaft |51 journaled on bearing brackets |52. The rear sprocket |55 is journaled on a shaft |63 which is supported on bearing members 155.

The shaft 16| and sprocket |55 are driven from the triangular shredder mechanism 10. As best shown in Figures 8 and 9, the shaft 55 is provided at its upper end with an extension 511. A bearing member |65 is in mating engagement with the extension 95' and is free to rotate with respect thereto. One or more ball bearings |55 are placed on the top edge of the extension 55 and the interior upper end of the bearing sleeve |55 is ground fiat and forms a bearing surface in engagement with the ball bearings |55. A rocker arm |51 triangular in shape is pivoted about a longitudinal axis by means of a pivot pin |65 which is connected to the rocker arm and is journaled within a recess |55 formed in the top surface of the bearing member |55. The rocker arm is pivctally connected at one end to a link arm |59. The rocker arm |51 is provided at its other end with a roller 110. The roller |10 is journaled on a shaft extending transversely through the end of the rocker arm |151. A cam |12 is rigidly secured to a shaft |15 which is journaled in a bearing member |15 secured to one of the supporting plate members 1|.

As best shown in Figures 7 and 9 a sprocket |16 is secured to the shaft extension 9d' for rotation therewith. The sprocket 116 is in driving engagement with a chain |11 which is trained around a sprocket |18 secured to the shaft |14 for driving engagement therewith. As the shaft 04 is being rotated, the sprocket |15 drives the shaft 111|, thus effecting rotating movement of the cam |12. The roller |12 is in engagement with the camming surface of the cam 112, thereby causing rocking movement of the rocker arm |61. The rocking movement of the rocker arm |51 causes oscillatory movement of the link 159. The link |59 is arranged to actuate a sprocket |85 rigidly secured to drive the shaft 15| in a counter-clockwise direction. A holding pawl |31 is pivotally connected to the structure 15| and is held in engagement with the ratchet sprocket by means of a spring |52. A lever arm 1811 is pivotally connected to the shaft 1E i. The lever arm |513 has pivotally connected thereto a driving pawl |35 as indicated at |85. The lever arm 8&1 is held in extreme clockwise position by means of a tension springr |81. The link |59 is adjustably connected to the lever arm |25 and oscillatory movement of the link causes the lever arm to swing back and forth, thereby rotating the ratchet sprocket |1213.

A solenoid 18.8v is connected at one end of the driving pawl |85, said solenoid serving to pivot the pawl |85 about its pivot |55 in order to effect driving engagement between the pawl and the sprocket |80. The end of the lever arm |85 is provided with an adjustable collar 189 whicl may be moved along the lever arm |34 to provide for adjustment and limit the arcuate movement of the lever arm.

The chainv 15,1 is engaged by a projection 183 formed at the lower end of a carrier member |911. As the chain is driven counter-clockwise by the sprocket |58 the carrier member is moved longitudinally toward the shredder mechanism 10. Bales of hay designated by the letter A in Figure 1 contained within the box-like structure 15| are thereupon moved forwardly into en- Cglagement with, the scraper cleats 89 of the shred- An ensilage removal and elevating mechanism is shown generally at |91. This mechanism forms the basis of applicants copending divisional application Serial No. 202,071, led December 2l, 1950.

As best shown in Figure 1, an ensilage feeding and proportioning mechanism is designated by the reference character 325. This mechanism forms the basis of applicants copending application Serial No. 202,072, filed December 21, 1950.

The electrical control system The electrical control system is best shown in Figures 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20 and is referred to by the reference character 420. The electrical control system is provided for the purpose of actuating the mechanized units of the mechanized barn in a predetermined automatic and controlled manner to effectuate the feeding procedure which is desired.

A timing mechanism is generally referred to by the reference character 612|. The timing mechanism, as shown in Figure l5, is placed near the end of the manger belt pulley 33 and oonsists of a vertically extending tubular member 422. The tubular supporting member 522 is provided With a pair of vertically spaced sprockets 523 and 624 which are respectively connected for rotation with shafts 425 and 4215. A driving sprocket 1121 is secured to the driving sprocket 424. A timing chain is indicated at 428. This chain is made up of a plurality of link sections, each link of each link section serving a definite purpose in the timing of the feeding mechanism.

The links are designated by the names of the feeding arrangement and stall position with which they are associated. As best shown in Figure 19, the link sections include a hay link 429, a concentrate link 439, a supplement link 43|, and a basic grain link 432.

The chain 428 is driven by means of a driving chain 433 which is wound about a sprocket 434 securely connected to the shaft 33. As the manger belt rotates, the driving chain 433 rotates sprocket 421 thereby rotating the chain 428 in a clockwise direction.

As best shown in Figures 15, 16, 1'7, 18, and 19, a self locking movable clip 435 is positioned on each of the links 429, 439, 43|, and 432. These clips are present on eight of the link sections of the chain 428. They are not present on the remaining two link sections as shown in Figure 15. The eight link sections with the movable clips 435 are arranged to actuate the feeding mechanism placing feed automatically before the eight stalls of the barn. Each clip 435 is provided with an inner pointed portion which is adapted to engage serrated edges provided on each of the links. A spring 438 holds the clips securely in the serrations of each link.

As best shown in Figure a tension guide mechanism 439 is provided for guiding the chain 429. The guide mechanism 439 includes a vertically extending member 449 having a smooth inner surface. The member 449 is resiliently held against the chain 428 by means of rod members 442, supporting members 443 and springs 443'. Each chain link section is also provided with roller members 44| which bear against the inner guide surface of the member 440.

A manger belt stop pin 444 is securely connected to one of the chain link sections of the chain 428. This stop clip is connected on the outermost edge of one of the outer links. It is to be noted that this chain link does not include any movable clip 435, nor does the link immediately following.

A shredder starting clip 445 is rigidly secured to one of the chain links as best shown in Figure 15. The connecting ends of the clip 445 are shown in dotted line position. It is to be understood that this link is positioned on the outermost surface of the outer link of this link section.

Mercury switch mechanisms 441 and 448 are positioned on the electrical control system 42|. The switch mechanism 441 includes a bracket 449 which is rigidly secured to the guide member 449. The bracket 449 is of U-shaped design and is divided up into four equal spaces by means of dividing members 45|. Within each space there is connected a switch clamping clip 452. Each clamping clip 452 is pivoted as indicated at 453 on the bracket 449. As best shown in Figure 19, the pivotal points of connection of these clamping clips are al1 in alignment with one another. rThe clamping clips 452 are provided to support a mercury switch 454, mercury switch 455, a mercury switch 456, and a mercury switch 451. The mercury switches are indicated in the wire diagram of Figure 21.

Referring particularly to Figures 16 and 19, it will be noted that a shaft 458 extends through, and is supported by the bracket 449. The shaft 458 supports cam elements 459, 469, 46|, and 462,

which are each in alignment with respective mercury switches. Each cam element is connected by means of a spring 463 to the end of each respective clip. A plurality of links 464 are also each connected to the end of the clips. The links 464 are adapted to engage bumper elements 465 thereby restraining the movement of the switch 454 in one direction about its pivotal point 453.

As best shown in Figure 19 a tripping member is designated at 466. The tripping member 466 has stub shafts 461 extending from the end therefrom and said member is journaled between the sides of the bracket member 449. The tripping member 466 is further provided with a camlike pointed projection 468 which is adapted to be engaged by the stop member 446 as indicated in Figure 16. The tripping member 466 includes projecting members 469 which are arranged to engage the cam members 459, 469, 46|, and 462. As best shown in Figure 17 a spring 419 resiliently holds the tripping member 466 in the position indicated.

A manger belt switch 412 is pivotally connected at the outer surface of the bracket 449. The switch 412 includes a clip 414 which is pivoted as indicated at 415 to the bracket 449. A mercury tube 413 is held in clip 414. The clip 414 has a turned or angled end portion 415 which is adapted to engage the clip 444 mounted on the outer surface of one of the track link sections. A spring 411 resiliently holds the switch 412 in the position indicated in Figure 16.

The mercury switch mechanism 44S, as shown in Figure 38 includes a bracket 419. A clip 481 is pivotally connected to the bracket 419 as indicated at 438. A mercury tube 469 is carried by the clip. The clip 481 is provided with a turned end portion 499 which is adapted to engage the shredder starting clip 445. The position of this clip is such that the movement of the chain 428 causes the starting clip 445 to engage and momentarily trip the mercury tube 489. A spring 49| holds the mercury tube 489 in the position indicated in Figure 38.

The electrical wiring system The electrical wiring system is best shown in Figures 15, 16, 17, 1S, 19 and 20 and 21. The master switch control box 599 is mounted on the tubular support 422. A master switch 59| is provided Within the control box and is arranged to open and close a three Wire electrical circuit. The three wire electrical circuit includes main circuits 592, 593, and 594.

Wires 595 to 591, inclusive lead to the ensilage removal mechanism |91 for controlling the same. This mechanism is clearly described in applicants copending divisional application.

A relay switch is designated by the reference character 526. rThe switch 525 has wires 521 and 528 leading to the manger belt motor 39. A wire 529 connected to one of the terminal ends of the relay switch 526 extends to a plurality of selector switches 53|, 532, 533, and 534 which are in series therewith. The selector switches are provided on the control box 599 positioned on the control mechanism 429. A wire 535 is connected to the winding of the relay 526 and extends to a manger belt control switch 412 which is best shown in Figures 21 and 16 mounted on bracket 449. A two-point make switch 536 is provided to start the manger belt manually. This switch is positioned on the control box panel 599 as 11 shown in Figure 15. The switch 536 is connected at one side to a wire 531 extending down to the relay 526. A wire 531' is connected to the other side of the switch 535 and extends upwardly Vto a terminal at the switch 412. A wire 538 is connected to the switch 539, the wire 538 extending to one side of a two-point break switch 539 which is mounted on the control box panel 500. IThis switch is for the purpose of stopping the manger belt 3| manually. A wire 540 extends from one side of the switch 539 upwardly to the mercury switch 412.

A two-point relay make switch is indicated by 54|. Wires 542 and 543 extend from this switch to the shredder motor 95. A wire 544 extends from the relay to the shredder switch 489 which is mounted on the bracket 419 as indicated in Figure 20. A wire 545 extends from the other side of the switch |89 downwardly to the other side of the relay.

vWire 549 is connected tothe wire 554 (and extends upwardly to the hay mercury switch 454 which `is mounted on a mercury switch mechanism 441 as best shown in Figure 16. A wire 55E extends to the solenoid |788 from the switch 454. A wire V55| extends down to the selector switch 53|.

A wire 552` extends upwardly to the concentrate mercury switch 455 which isalso mounted on the mercury switch mechanism 441. A wire 553 extends to theselector switch 5372. A wire 553' extends to the solenoid |41.

A wire 554 is .connected to the wire 555i and extends upwardly to the supplement mercury switch i575 which is also mounted ion the switch mechanism 44,71. `A wire 555 extends to the sole- 110i@ |39.- A Wife 556 extends down t0 theselector switch 533.

A wire 551 is connected to the wire Y554 and extends upwardly to the 'basic grain melly switch 451 which is mounted on the mercury ,switch mechanism 441. A wire 551 extends to the solenoid |31 and a wire 55,8 extends down to the selector switch 5313. v

The mounting of the hay, concentrate, supplement, and basic 'grain mercury switches is the same for allas shown in Figure 16. Each switch is ,adapted to be .individually cocked and The Arst step in the operationwis the rotation of the manger belt. fIvherelectric motor 35 is energized by manually pushing the switch 535 which is located on the centrol panel l555, The momentary contact is suihcient toclose the relay switch 52.5, thereby closing the circuit to begin rotation of the motor 39,

As the manger belt 3| is rotating, the sprocket 454 is in driving engagement with the Vchain v433 with the s procketdi, thereby causing movement of the link sections of the chain 428. Previous to the operation of thetiming mechanism 42|, the movable clips 435 have been set with lrespect to the serrations 431 on the individual links 425, 430,' 43|', and 4732;.A As previously determined, the farmer knows the individual requirements of hay, concentrate,` supplements, and basic grain feed for each cow. As best shown in Figure 15 ten link sections arenutilized. Eight of these link sections represent the number of stalls withinV the barn and each link section'is made up or four individual links, each link representing the indivvidual feed requirements for each cow except the silage requirement. By moving the movable clips 435 vertically on the individual links 425, 430, 43|, and 432,"the'exact requirements 4of .the various feeds may besupplied to each cow. The manner in which this is accomplished will.pres' ently be more clearly described. Y

As the manger belt 3| is moving, the timing' mechanism '42| is also `in operation. As best shown in Figure l5, a shredder starting clip .4145 ispositioned on one of the chain link sections. The `shredder starting clip is in vertical align ment witha shredder mercury switch 485. As the clip 445 is driven past the mercury switch 485 it engages the end portion 45S of the clip 481 momentarily pivoting the mercury switch and tripping the same Yto ,an on position. This momentary closingof the circuit .causes the relay switch 54| to close thereby closing the electrical circuit in the motor 976, thereby starting rotation of the shredder mechanism 1E.

Clips 4 35 are so positioned on the links 429, 435, 43|, and 432 that they respectively engage and trip mercury switches 454, 455, 456, and 451. As a -clip 435 passes by the hay mercury switch 454, itengages trip element 459 which is pivoted on Aa shaft 458. The trip element 455 is rotated and a spring'6i53 causes the switch 454 to snap to the on position shown in Figure 1 7. As the switch 454 is'thus" closed, the solenoid |88 is energized. As the solenoid |88 'is energized, the

ratchet pawl is arranged to `engage ratchet wheel |55. The reciprocating movement of the link v|59 by virtue of its connection to the rocking arm |61 causes the conveyor belt |51 vto rotate counterclockwise, thereby moving the vertical push plate |50 toward the shredder mechanism 1D. The'baled hay is thereby pushed or V moved into the shredder mechanism. The endless vtrack scraper or shredder apron 1B Ybrushes by the baled hay and-the scraper cleats 55 remove hay from the bales and deposit the same on the manger belt 3|. Continued further vertical forward movementof the link 435 and link section causes the stop 445 to engage the trip member 466 thus 'engaging the projection 45,8, thereby moving 'the tripping member 465.

As the tripping mechanism 455 is moved in a clockwise direction, one of the engaging surfaces 459 engages the cam element 459 thereby tripping the mercuryswitch454 to the oposition as shown in Figure 16. This breaks the eircuit to the solenoid |83 and thereby movement of the chain |51 ceases so that no further hay is moved into the shredder unit and deposited upon the manger belt. lt can be seen therefore that the position of the'movable clipv 435 with respect 'to the 4stop clipf 445 determines Vthe amount of hay which is to be delivered for each lindividual cow,.since`the amount of movement of the conveyor chain |51 is governed by the distance between the stop clip and the movable clip. Itis ofcourse understood `that the position of theclip 455 may vary with respectto each Alink section, the individual requirements or the cow determining the position of the movable clip.

It should also be noted that the Vtripping member iwill trip the hay, concentrate, supplement and' basic grain mercury switches to the 01T position simultaneously since the stop member AL45 is centrally .disposed on the link sections.

The hopper feed mechanism |15 is controlled by means of the links 43|), 43|, and'432. The hopper I|| generally contains the basic grain which 13 is to be fed to the cows. The hopper I|2 contains the supplements which may consist of a feed containing a scientically prepared quantity of vitamins, etc. The hopper ||3 generally contains the concentrates made up of yeast, salts, etc.

As the timing mechanism 42| is moved and the link sections are moved upwardly, clips 435 respectively on the links 430, 43|, and 432 cause mercury switches 455, 56, and 451 respectively to be tripped to a closed position. As these switches are closed, planetary drive mechanism |22, |23, and |24 are placed in operation by means of the actuation of solenoids 14|, |39, and |3'5. Since lthe shaft Ii'i is rotated continually due to the driving arrangement of the belt |20, actuation of the solenoids causes the planetary drive mechanism to drive the individual paddle wheels H4, H5, and HS. The paddle wheels serve to deposit predetermined quantities of the concentrate, supplement, and basic grain feeds upon the movable manger belt 3|. As the chain links move vertically on the electric control system 420, the stop 446 engages the tripping member 465 which simultaneously trips the basic grain, supplement, and concentrate mercury switches, thus opening the same and cie-energizing the solenoids 54|, |39, and |37 to stop movement of the paddle wheels and discharge of feed from the hopper feeding mechanism.

A plurality of selector switches 530, '531, 522, 533, and 534 are mounted on the control boi; 5de. it can be seen from the Wiring diagram Figure 21 that these switches can each be individually actuated to eliminate any one or all of the hay, concentrate, supplement, or basic grain feeding arrangements. rIhus complete control of these mechanisms is assured.

After a sufcient amount of feed has been deposited upon the manger belt and lthe manger belt has come to a position whereupon the predetermined quantities of feed are now adjacent the feeding ends of the stalls of the individual animals, the manger belt automatically stops. This stopping action is accomplished by means of a stop clip 444 which engages and trips the manger belt mercury switch 412 to an off position. This effects opening of the relay switch 526 thereby breaking the circuit lto the motor 39. As indicated in the wiring diagram Figure 21 the shredder motor 96, and relay 54| are in series with the relay switch 526 and stopping of the motor 3S also causes the shredder motor 95 to cease functioning. Since the shredder motor drives all feeding mechanisms lthese units are now also stopped since the feeding operation has been accomplished.

As shown in Figure 12, a gate or guard member |02 is suspended over the manger belt by means of a cable H93. The gate |02 is provided with a plurality of rollers |05 which are adapted to engage the side wall I0 when said gate is moved to an out of the way vertical position. A winch |06 receives a cable |01 which is connected to the gate |02. The gate |02 can be moved to the out of way position shown in the dotted lines of Figure 12 by operating the winch |06. Thus when the manger belt has moved to its feeding position adjacent the feeding ends of the stall, the gate is raised, thereby permitting the cows to begin their feeding.

it can thus be seen that an automatic feeding arrangement has been provided for feeding animals within a dairybarn, this feeding arrangement being both practical in construction and inexpensive to maintain. rihe arrangement has been shown for a small dairy barn, but it can readily be understood that the number of cattle which may be fed by this mechanism is not limited to the number shown. By making minor changes in the arrangement and size of parts and the barn a longer feed line of stalls can easily be accommodated. It can be seen that a novel mechanism has been provided for removing ensilage from a trench silo, the arrangement being such that a minimum amount of supervision is required by the operator. It can readily be appreciated that the accurate and automatic feeding mechanism of the type invented by applicants will increase the productive capacity of the individual cows while at the same time lowering the labor cost and expenses encountered in the conventional dairy farm.

it is to be understood that modifications may be made which do not depart from the spirit of the invention as disclosed nor the scope thereof as dened in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A dairy establishment comprising in combination, a farm building having a plurality of stationary animal stalls, each stall having a feeding end, a feeding device for supplying feed to the animals in the stalls, said device including an endless manger belt positioned laterally with respect to the stalls and being adapted to move iced adjacent the feeding end of each stall, power means connected to said manger belt for moving the same, means for supplying feed to said manger belt, said means including a shredder mechanism, means supporting said shredder mechanism and said manger belt with said shredder mechanism being positioned above and adjacent one end ci said manger belt, and power means connected to said shredder mechanism for driving the same, and control means connected to said manger belt and said shredder mechanism for controlling the shredder mechanism whereby bale-d feed supplied to said shredder mechanism is shredded and deposited by said shredder mechanism on said moving manger belt.

2. A dairy establishment comprising in combination, a farm building having a plurality of stationary animal stalls, each stall having a feeding end, a feeding device for supplying feed to each stall, said device including an endless manger belt positioned to move laterally with respect to the stalls and thereby move feed adjacent the feeding end of each stall, power means connected to the manger belt for moving the same, and means for supplying feed to said movable manger belt including a movable conveyor positioned adjacent the manger belt, a movable scraper mechanism supported between `the conveyor and the manger belt and arranged to remove feed from said movable conveyor and deposit the saine on said manger belt, and control means connected to the manger belt and to the movable conveyor for moving the same in response to movement at the manger belt.

3. A dairy establishment comprising in combination, a farm building for containing animals, a feeding device for supplying feed to the animals including a movable manger belt, power means connected to said manger belt for moving said manger belt, means for distributing preselected quantities of iced to the animals including a movable conveyor belt supported adjacent said manger belt, a power actuated scraper mechanisni supported between said manger belt and said conveyor belt and arranged to remove feed from said movable conveyor and deposit the same on said moving manger belt and means connected to said conveyor for moving .the conveyor including a control means connected to said manger belt and responsive to movement thereto.

fi. A dairy establishment comprising in combination, a farm building having a plurality of stationary animal stalls, each stall having a feeding end, a feeding device for supplying preseieeted quantities of feed to each stall, said device including a movable manger belt arranged to move laterally with respect to said stalls and adjacent the feeding end of each stall, a shredder mechanism supported above one end oi said manger belt and being operatively associated therewith, said shredder mechanism including movable scraper means, a conveyor arranged to move packed quantities of animal feed toward said shredder mechanism and said manger belt, and means connected to said conveyor and to said shredder mechanism for moving said conveyor a preselected distance toward said shredder mechanism to supply predetermined amounts of feed tc said scraper means, said means including an electrical control mechanism connected to the manger belt and operable in response to movement thereof, said scraper means being arranged and constructed to deposit said feed on said manger belt.

5. A dairy establishment including a farm building having a plurality of stationary animal stalls, the combination therewith of a feeding mechanism for supplying feed to each stall comprising a movable manger belt adjacent the feeding end of each stall, power means connected to the manger belt for moving said beit, feed dispensing mechanisms arranged to deposit feed on said manger belt, an electrical control unit removed from said moving manger belt, said control unit including a timing chain consisting of a plurality of interconnected links, movable clips on said links, electrical switch elements stationarily mounted on said control unit, said switch elements being connected to control the dispensing of feed from said dispensing mechanism, driving means connecting said timing chain and said movable manger belt, the clips on said links being positioned to actuate said switch elements thereby dispensing feed from said dispensing mechanisms in measured quantities to said manger belt.

6. A dairy establishment including a farm building having a plurality of stationary animal stalls, the combination therewith of a hay feeding mechanism for Supplying feed to each stall comprising a movable manger belt adjacent the feeding end of each stall, power means connected to the manger belt for moving said belt, a hay dispensing conveyor arranged to deposit hay on said manger belt, electrical power means driving the same, a control unit for said hay dispensing conveyor, said control unit including a timing chain arranged to be driven by said manger belt, a switch element stationarily mounted with respect to said timing chain, and start and stop members on said timing chain, said members being positioned to engage said switch :nent for regulating the electrical energy to said electrical power means thereby controlling the movement of said conveyor and regulating the quantity of hay deposited on said manger belt.

7. A dairy establishment including a farm building having a plurality of stationary cow stalls, the combination therewith of a feeding mechanism for supplying feed to each stall comprising a movable manger belt, power means connected to lthe manger belt for moving said belt, a plurality of feed dispensing mechanisms positioned to deposit feed on said manger belt, an electrical control unit for said mechanisms, said control unit including a timing chain, a plurality of interconnected link sections in the chain, each link section representing an individual cow stall, a plurality of links in each link section, each link representing an individual feed dispensing mechanism, start and stop elements on each link, a stationary switch for each link, each switch being arranged to electrically control one of the feed dispensing mechanisms, and means connected to the manger belt for driving said timing chain, said start and stop elements being positioned to actuate said switches thereby controlling the quantity of feed discharged for each stall from each feed dispensing mechanism.

8. A dairy establishment including a farm building having a plurality of stationary animal stalls, the combination therewith of a feeding mechanism for supplying feed to each stall, comprising a movable manger belt adjacent the animal stalls, a feed dispensing means supported adjacent the manger belt to dispense feed thereto, power means connected to the manger belt and to said feed dispensing means for moving the manger belt and for actuating said feed dispensing means, and electrical control means operatively connected to said feed dispensing means and said manger belt for controlling said dispensing means in response to movement of said manger belt whereby said dispensing means is actuated to deposit predetermined quantities of feed on various portions of said manger belt.

9. A dairy establishment including a farm building having a plurality of animal stalls, the combination therewith of a feeding mechanism for supplying feed to each stall comprising a movable manger belt adjacent the feeding end of each stall, a feed dispensing means supported adjacent said manger belt and arranged to deposit feed on said manger belt, an electrical control unit connected to said manger belt, electrical switch elements connected to said feed dispensing means and to said control unit for controlling the discharge of feed from said dispensing means, and movable means on said control unit adapted to engage and actuate said switch elements in response to movement of said manger belt whereby measured quantities of feed are dispensed from said dispensing means to said manger belt.

10. n a dairy establishment having a plurality of animal stalls, each stall having a feeding end; a feeding device for supplying feed to an animal in each stall, said' device comprising an endless movable manger belt positioned in a direction extending laterally with respect to the stalls, a rotatable member disposed at an end of said manger belt for moving said manger belt in a direction iateraiiy with respect to said stalls, a power unit connected to said rotatable member for moving the same, a shredding unit disposed adjacent one end of said manger belt, shredding unit including a movable shredding element, movable means adjacent said shredding element for moving a bale of feed material into engagement with said shredding element, and a second power unit connected to said shredding element for moving the same, and means connected to said movable means and said manger belt and responsive to movement of said belt for actuating said movable means to move said conveyor whereby feed material is removed from the bale and deposited on said movable manger belt.

WALTER R. PETERSON. ADELBERT C. RADTKE.

References Cited in the 111e of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date Osterberg Mar. 1, 1881 Bolinski Aug. 29, 1899 Tindell May 21, 1901 Scott Nov. 7, 1905 Sehuchardt June 6, 1916 15 Hart Apr. 26, 1921 Neumann Nov. 28, 1922 Keys Jan. 8, 1924 Number Number Name Date Maryott Dec. 9, 1924 Foster Aug. 18, 1925 Merrick Sept. 10, 1929 Everhard Aug. 14, 1934 Johnson Aug. 30, 1938 Carswell June 9, 1942 Haggart Nov. 17, 1942 Noble Feb. 9, 1943 Cornell Sept. 12, 1944 Gayring Nov. 12, 1946 Koenig Nov. 8, 1949 FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date Denmark Sept. 11, 1916 Great Britain Jan. 18, 1924 Great Britain Jan. 9, 1930 

